City of Newcastle has unveiled a plan to transform part of the remediated landfill at Shortland into a solar farm, battery hub and heavy vehicle EV charging facility.
The proposed Astra Street Community Energy Precinct has the potential to meet City of Newcastle’s growing renewable electricity needs, while also benefiting the community through a renewable energy sharing scheme.
The potential location of the proposed Astra Street Community Energy Precinct at ShortlandThe project forms part of the draft Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026 – 2030 (CAP 2030), which Councillors will vote to place on public exhibition at next week’s extraordinary council meeting.
The plan sets out the actions City of Newcastle will take to achieve net zero emissions from its operations by 2030 and to support a Newcastle-wide transition to net zero emissions by 2040.
City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said it provides a clear, evidence-based pathway for taking action to address climate change.
“The CAP 2030 has been developed through extensive community consultation, economic modelling, best-practice research and cost-benefit analysis,” Ms Kikken said.
“The science-based targets in the CAP 2030 align to the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit average global temperature increases to 1.5°C, to significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.
“Australia’s climate has warmed by an average of 1.51°C since national records began in 1910, with eight out of the nine warmest years on record occurring since 2013.
“As our region transitions to clean energy, it’s vital everyone in our community can access affordable, reliable and renewable energy. Our Energy for All program will empower culturally and linguistically diverse communities and renters to lower their energy bills through advice and support, personalised energy bill checks and support to access rebates and savings.
“The ultimate goal would be to move beyond net zero and actively remove more carbon from the atmosphere than is produced by leveraging nature-based solutions such as urban greening, tree planting and the restoration of ecosystems, to sequester carbon.”
Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee Chair Councillor Declan Clausen said the draft CAP 2030 includes a range of initiatives to help City of Newcastle achieve its climate goals.
“This includes electrifying City of Newcastle’s fleet of vehicles, trialling renewable diesel fuel, and phasing out gas installations and heating with electric power,” Cr Clausen said.
“The plan also includes a new target of net zero emissions from landfill gas by 2040, as well as increasing the utilisation of recovered materials and sustainable product alternatives in City of Newcastle operations and construction works.”
The 60-hectare former landfill on Astra Street operated from 1974 to 1995 before City of Newcastle started extensive environmental remediation at the site to safeguard the water quality of surrounding wetlands, increase biodiversity and promote long-term native plant growth.
If a business case for the Community Energy Precinct is accepted, the site could feature a large-scale 10-megawatt solar farm and a 20-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System, providing heavy electric vehicle charging for City of Newcastle vehicles and local commercial operators, as well as the potential for a community energy sharing model.
There would also be an opportunity to expand landfill gas collection and flaring at Astra Street to further generate carbon credits.
To implement the CAP 2030, an estimated $42 million of capital investment would be required over the next five years, with City of Newcastle to seek at least 50% matched funding through grants and commercial partnerships.
If the plan can be fully implemented, it’s estimated City of Newcastle would see a return of between $3.5 million to $4 million per year by 2030 thanks to income from the Community Energy Precinct, savings from solar and Battery Energy Storage systems, fuel savings and gas to electric savings.
Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said City of Newcastle is leading the way in addressing climate change.
“City of Newcastle was the first council in NSW to be powered by 100% renewable electricity,” Cr McCabe said.
“We’ve designed and delivered multiple projects that have reduced costs, lowered emissions and strengthened community resilience.
“The CAP 2030 will be our third Climate Action Plan and will support the delivery of Newcastle 2040, our Community Strategic Plan, and the Newcastle Environment Strategy (NES).
“While the NES sets the long-term vision, the CAP2030 turns that vision into the steps we will take over the next five years.
“The CAP 2030 is built on feedback obtained through the development of the NES where the community told us they want a sustainable Newcastle, where we value our natural environment and respond to challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and the overuse of resources.
“Cities contribute the majority of global emissions, but councils influence many areas that can curb emissions, including in the areas of urban planning, transport, waste management, energy use and community engagement.”
If Councillors vote to place the draft CAP 2030 on public exhibition, the community will have the opportunity to have their say in early 2026.
